Research Technician- Barton Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Publication opportunities

Lab meetings

Job summary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Berkeley is seeking a gnotobiotic lab technician to join a team studying how the immune system interacts with bacterial members of the microbiota. You will assist with dissections, tissue processing, and mouse experiments in a sterile, controlled environment.

The role involves maintaining animals in a positive-pressure rack, autoclaving, documentation, protocol optimization, and coordinating with lab members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in a relevant science/tech field.
• Ability to learn complex tasks from general instructions.
• Highly motivated, organized and quick to learn.
• Excellent collaboration and coordination skills.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Experience with mice and bacterial work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain animals in a gnotobiotic environment using sterile technique.
• Assemble microisolators, autoclave, and mouse husbandry.
• Document protocols, optimize procedures, and ensure compliance.
• Operate lab equipment and coordinate with other technicians.
• Assist with immune-detection experiments, dissections, and tissue processing.
• Record data, write summaries, and read current literature.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Mice handling

Sterile techniques

Organizational skills

Independent learning

Coordination

Physical stamina

Education

Bachelor of Science in a science/tech field

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Primary Work Address: 2033 Valley Life Sciences Building, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3140

About the role

In this role, you will join a team of scientists studying how the immune system interacts with bacterial members of the microbiota. You will be assisting with experiments being performed in the lab by helping with dissections and tissue processing. Other lab work may include molecular biology techniques. In addition, this role will involve maintenance of animals in a gnotobiotic environment, where mice live in an environment devoid of bacteria or colonized with defined bacteria. This will include basic animal care and husbandry as well as performing mouse experiments involving handling of mice. You will be a valued member of the lab and participate in weekly lab meetings along with other group meetings.

What we provide

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• Being part of research projects and the possibility of being an author on lab research publications.
• Regular meetings with Dr. Barton in a collaborative and highly team-oriented setting.

What you’ll do

• Gnotobiotic work: Maintenance of animals in a sealed positive-pressure rack using sterile technique.
• Assembly of microisolators, autoclaving and mouse husbandry.
• Optimization of protocols and documentation of compliance.
• Configure and operate laboratory apparatus and instruments.
• Coordination with other gnotobiotic technicians.
• Research related to immune detection of the microbiome: Assist lab members with experiments: dissections and tissue processing, DNA extraction and PCR analysis from samples: Mouse handling including injections and serial bleedings.
• Read and record instrument data, keep laboratory records, and prepare written summaries of experiments with results.
• Read literature applicable to research areas as the need arises.

What you bring

• Bachelor of Science degree in an appropriate field of science or technology or equivalent in education and experience.
• Able to learn complex tasks with general instructions and then perform them independently.
• The successful applicant will be a highly motivated, ambitious individual with strong organizational skills and willingness to learn new techniques.
• The ability to plan ahead and coordinate with others is essential for success in this position.
• Ability to lift 15 pounds.
• Experience working with mice & bacterial preparations in a laboratory setting is preferred.
• Experience with sterile techniques.
• Proficiency in MS Word and MS Excel.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Hiring Pay Range $19.15 - $23.94 Pay Type: Hourly The posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Why HHMI

To move science forward we need a diverse collection of talents, expertise, and backgrounds in scientific research and science education, as well as communications, finance, human resources, information technology, investments, law, and operations.

What makes us strong

At HHMI, we encourage collaborative and results-driven working styles and offer an adaptable environment where employees can do their best work. We work to promote a culture of inclusion in our work environments and across the greater scientific community. To find more information about us and the steps we're taking to make HHMI a more inclusive organization, visit our About Us page.

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